# Perception and attitude towards online clinical modules: a cross-sectional study among medical students from two countries

## TL;DR

This study explores medical students' views on online clinical learning during the pandemic, finding most prefer in-person teaching.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into student perceptions of online clinical modules in medical education during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- 81% of students were unwilling to continue with online learning.
- Students highlighted the need for better preparation and improvements in online clinical modules.
- Offline clinical teaching is considered more important in medical education compared to other fields.

## Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the world, including the education system, in various ways. In this study, we intended to explore the merits and demerits of online clinical learning and its effect on medical education from a student’s perspective. The study also assessed final-year medical students’ perception of and attitude towards, online clinical modules. This observational study was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC) in collaboration with King’s College London, UK (KCL). In our study, a total of 42 students were enrolled, with 37 students from KMC and 5 students from KCL. In total 81% of students reported that they were not willing to continue with the online mode of learning. The abrupt switch to e-learning without prior preparation has exposed some pitfalls that must be attended to. Contrary to other fields, the medical field places much importance on offline clinical teaching, which has recently been impacted by the shift to online teaching. The survey responses were analysed for the improvisation of online clinical modules as well as to come up with better ideas and outcomes since this mode of learning may have to continue till the spread of the disease is under control.